Scribd
Upload
20 views3 pages

Chapter 1

This document introduces Python as a high-level, versatile programming language that is beginner-friendly and in high demand. It outlines the steps for installing Python, including downloading from the official website and verifying the installation. Additionally, it provides instructions on how to write and run Python programs using a text editor and command prompt or terminal.

Uploaded by

Tarak Patel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
20 views3 pages

Chapter 1

This document introduces Python as a high-level, versatile programming language that is beginner-friendly and in high demand. It outlines the steps for installing Python, including downloading from the official website and verifying the installation. Additionally, it provides instructions on how to write and run Python programs using a text editor and command prompt or terminal.

Uploaded by

Tarak Patel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Chapter 1: Introduction to Python

What is Python and why learn it?


Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that is widely used for a variety of
applications, including web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and
more. It was created by Guido van Rossum in the late 1980s and has since become one of the most
popular programming languages in the world.

Here are a few reasons why someone might want to learn Python:

1. It's beginner-friendly: Python's syntax is clear and easy to read, making it a great language for
beginners who are just starting to learn programming.

2. It's versatile: Python can be used for a wide variety of applications, from web development to
scientific computing to artificial intelligence.

3. It has a large community: Python has a large and active community of developers, which means there
are plenty of resources and support available for those learning the language.

4. It's in high demand: Python is consistently ranked as one of the most popular programming languages
in the world, and is in high demand by employers across a variety of industries.

5. It's free and open-source: Python is open-source software, which means it's free to use and can be
modified and distributed by anyone. This makes it an accessible language for developers of all levels.

Installing and setting up Python


Installing and setting up Python is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Go to the Python website: Go to the official Python website at www.python.org.

2. Download Python: Click on the "Downloads" tab and select the version of Python that you want to
install. For beginners, it's recommended to download the latest version, which is currently Python 3.9.

3. Install Python: Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the prompts to install
Python on your computer. Be sure to select "Add Python to PATH" during the installation process.

4. Verify your installation: Open your command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac or Linux) and type
`python` followed by the Enter key. You should see a message displaying the version of Python you have
installed.

Congratulations, you have now installed Python on your computer!

To start writing Python code, you can use a text editor such as Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio
Code. When you save your Python code, be sure to give it a .py extension.

You can run your Python code in the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac or Linux) by
navigating to the directory where your Python file is located and typing `python filename.py`.

Running Python programs


To run a Python program, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open a text editor: Open a text editor such as Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code.

2. Write your Python code: Write your Python code in the text editor. Be sure to save the file with a .py
extension.

3. Open the command prompt or terminal: Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac or
Linux).

4. Navigate to the directory where your Python file is located: Use the `cd` command to navigate to the
directory where your Python file is located. For example, if your file is in the Documents folder, you can
type `cd Documents` to navigate to that folder.

5. Run the Python file: Once you are in the directory where your Python file is located, type `python
filename.py` and press Enter to run your Python file. Replace "filename" with the name of your Python
file.

6. View the output: If your Python program produces any output, it will be displayed in the command
prompt or terminal.

Congratulations, you have now run a Python program!

Note that you need to have Python installed on your computer before you can run a Python program. If
you haven't installed Python yet, you can follow the steps to install it.

You might also like